Champagne Eric Rodez Les Genettes Pinot Noir Ambonnay Gr

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CountryFrance
RegionChampagne
AppellationChampagne Grand Cru
Varieties
- Pinot Noir - 100%
Wine style
- Intense and savory traditional method sparkling wine
BrandEric Rodez
Volume0,75 L
Alc.12%

179,00 €

Description

For those who appreciate expressive Pinot Noir Champagnes, the „Eric Rodez Les Genettes Pinot Noir Ambonnay Grand Cru 2018“ is an absolute must. A rare, biodynamic, single-vineyard Champagne from a prestigious Grand Cru site.

Reflecting the exceptionally warm and favorable 2018 vintage, the bouquet reveals notes of ripe dark cherries, wild berries, and baked apples, elegantly framed by touches of oak, toasted nuts, and brioche. On the palate, it is highly structured and vinous, yet maintains excellent freshness. The Champagne boasts a complex, fruity, and mineral character, driven by a vibrant acidity and a long, firm finish.

The Pinot Noir for this cuvée is sourced exclusively from the „Les Genettes“ parcel in the Ambonnay Grand Cru commune. The vines are rooted in chalky limestone soils, cultivated under strict organic and biodynamic principles.

The base wine is vinified in oak barrels, followed by extended aging on the lees in the bottle, which gives it exceptional depth.

Serving recommendations

It is recommended to serve this Champagne at 10–12 °C, where it will perfectly express itself when paired with roasted duck breast, halibut fillet in a creamy butter sauce, or aged Comté cheese.

About brand

Eric Rodez – an eighth-generation grape grower, is based in the kingdom of ‘Pinot Noir’ grapes, the village of Ambonnay, classified as a top Grand Cru. His estate spans just 6 hectares of mature vineyards, from which about 40,000 bottles of champagne are produced annually. Nearly 80 percent of the wine's primary fermentation takes place in Burgundian oak barrels, and a large proportion (around 70%) of reserve wines are used for the champagnes.

The Eric Rodez Champagne house is characterized by sustainability and responsibility towards nature and future generations. They completely avoid herbicides and pesticides, and the vineyards are managed according to organic and biodynamic principles. A minimal amount of sulfites is used, and even some champagne production choices are driven by their environmental friendliness (which is why malolactic fermentation is not blocked).

Wine Style

The champagnes from Eric Rodez can be categorized into three lines:

Signature Champagnes: These reflect Eric's mastery in understanding each vintage and blending base wines to best express his vision for that year. Eric himself still crafts these champagnes.
"Solistes": These are single-vineyard champagnes that reveal the true spirit of a specific plot. The idea to create single-vineyard wines came from Eric's son, who is also responsible for them.
"Empreinte" (French for "imprint") line: This is a joint project between father and son, aiming to perfectly capture both the grapes (‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’) and their vintage expressions, most accurately reflecting the spirit of Ambonnay Grand Cru. It's like a gift from the Rodez family, a love song to Ambonnay – unsurprising, given how important this place is to them. It's no coincidence Eric himself served as the village mayor for 31 years.

Aging and Consumption Period

Champagne enthusiasts and collectors buy the majority of Eric Rodez champagnes before they even hit the market, as they trust in their exceptional aging potential and ability to evolve over time. This speaks volumes about the champagne's high quality and value, a result of a long and meticulous aging process.